BEAUMONT, Texas — As the new school year begins, districts across Southeast Texas are deciding whether to adopt a new state-backed curriculum that supporters say could boost student performance but critics warn could blur the lines between academics and religion.

Starting this fall, districts have the option to implement “Bluebonnet Learning,” a curriculum created by the state in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency in response to a 2023 law. It is designed to prepare students for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards and standardized tests like STAAR.

Julie Pickren with the State Board of Education said the program is intended to address serious academic gaps.

“Sixty-two percent of junior high students cannot perform math on an elementary level,” Pickren said.

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